I do all of my orchestral arrangements by myself. For my rock orientied work, I am proud to be able to call upon people that are not only talented musicians, but great friends. First and foremost is my drummer Tyler Quinton. He's a guy who has been involved in several projects of mine and will be any time I need a true talent behind the drumkit. His musicianship is only matched by his heart. Then there is my longtime best friend Sam Gardner, who is an insane composer in his own right as well as a killer guitar player. I'd call him a modern day Mozart. If you are looking for a classical flavor with a twisted edge, I'd recommend you check this guy out.
Influences
Akira Ifukube, John Williams, Danny Elfman, Billy Joel, John Barry, Ozzy Osbourne, John Ottman, Alice in Chains, James Newton Howard, Metallica, Masaru Sato, Max Steiner, Zakk Wylde, Bernard Herrmann, Howard Shore, Michael Giacchino, Franz Waxman, James Bernard, Hans Zimmer, Alan Silvestri, Jerry Goldsmith, Nino Rota, Ennio Morricone, Goblin, Kou Otani, and many more.
Sounds Like
I could go through my influences like anyone else but there is one above all else and that is Akira Ifukube, who's absolutely classic and huge scores to the classic Godzilla and Toho science fiction movies have fueled my love for music since I was a young punk. There was rarely a time that I was playing with my toys when I was younger where I wasn't humming any number of his incredible monster and military marches. Thank you so much Ifukube-San. May you always rest in peace.
Then there is John Williams, who's score to SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE is another all time favorite of mine. Christopher Reeve made me and so many others believe that a man could fly...and John Williams sealed it with his incredible score which I know so well that it is probably a sickness. John Williams is the master and always will be.
I also love Danny Elfman not only because he is an incredible talent, but because he isn't classically trained yet does what he does better than so many that are.
I guess most musicians always start these kinds of things with typical musician babble so I will definitely try to disappoint. My name is John DeSentis. Most people call me either Johnny D or Dutch (despite the fact that I am Italian and Polish-Ukranian). I am an indie film composer living in New York.
I love to do what I do, which is put music to moving images. I love it so much that I disregard all odds of success and pursue it full throttle by working with aspiring filmmakers and people who believe in both the art and the business of film. Yes there are two aspects to movies and music, and one of them is business. I am, however, naive enough to believe that one can do both and still make something worth watching and listening to. And that is what I hope to do. If you are interested in working with me, shoot me a message. You never know what great things can come when you put a couple of great (and slightly insane) minds behind a lens and a piano.
For all other musicians out there, I stronly encourage you to sign The ASCAP's Musicians Bill of Rights which no doubt affects you all. Visit the site and give it a read and see what The ASCAP is doing to protect the rights and music that you all create.
CURRENT PROJECTS
THE BACKROOM- Composer, Actor.
PAST PROJECTS
THE AUSTIN WIND SYMPHONY PRESENTS "CREATURE FEATURES". SUITE FROM KING KONG VS. GODZILLA- Music by Akira Ifukube. Arranged and Orchestrated for The Austin Wind Symphony by John DeSentis.
SONYARK THE JOKER- Composer.
KINGDOM OF ROCK- Composer, vocalist.
SEVER THE WICKED- Composer.
In addition to my music work, I also write for a website called SciFi Japan which is pretty much the best out there for news and articles on the genre. There I am a part of a staff that is pound for pound the best you could ask for both as professionals and as friends. You can usually find me doing music related articles. Check it out.
Augie has seen the picture and has no problem with it. He had a nice afro as I joked with him. We were all kids back then. It's a great photo. I wish I would of taken one just like it back then too..
Holy shit! The music is better than ever! You've really built up quite a body of work. That King Kong vs. Godzilla thing looks awesome. Really, really great music man.
The New Yorker!-- I stayed there in 2005, that's when I last saw JRR. We had lunch and I tried to talk him into coming back to the conventions, but no go. God rest his soul. Gimme a shout sometime. Later Jay
Happy belated birthday! I see you went to that robata tokyo place. lol nice pic by the way...my god that poor japanese waitstaff that had to serve you guys...hahaha
